Al-Ma’mun’s servant entered after a while and said...

Al-Ma’mun’s servant entered after a while and said, ‘The Commander of the Faithful (Al-Ma’mun) has called you in.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) put on his shoes and cloak. He stood up and went. I followed Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) until he went to Al-Ma’mun. There was a dish of grapes in front of Al-Ma’mun and several dishes of fruit, too. There was a bunch of partially eaten grapes in his hand. There were still some grapes left on it. Once Al-Ma’mun saw Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), he leaped towards him and hugged him.

He kissed his forehead and had him sit down next to himself. Then he offered Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) the bunch of grapes that he was holding in his hands and said, ‘O son of God’s Prophet! Have you ever seen any better grapes?’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘It often happens that they are good grapes as if they are from Heaven.’ Then Al-Ma’mun said, ‘Have some.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘Excuse me from eating them.’ Then he said, ‘You must eat. Why don’t you eat?

Perhaps you are suspicious of me.’ Then Al-Ma’mun picked up the bunch of grapes, had a few grapes and then offered the bunch to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) ate three grapes, put down the bunch and stood up. Al-Ma’mun asked him, ‘Where are you going?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘I am going to where you sent me.’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) pulled his cloak over his head and left.” Aba Salt added, “I did not talk to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) until he entered the house and said, ‘Shut the doors.’ They shut the doors.

Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) laid in bed. I stayed in the yard for a while in a sad and depressed state. Then I saw a handsome young man, who was the closest-looking person to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) I have ever seen, enter the house. I rushed ahead and asked him, ‘Sir! The doors are closed. How did you get in?’ He (a.s.) answered, ‘He (God) who passed me through closed doors brought me here from Medina.’ I asked, ‘Who are you?’ He (a.s.) replied, ‘I am the Proof of God for you. O Aba Salt!

I am Muhammad ibn Ali (Imam ar-Ridha’’s son)’ Then he (a.s.) went to his father (a.s.). He (a.s.) entered the room and asked me to go in with him. When Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) saw him, he leaped towards him. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) hugged him and put his hands over his shoulders. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) kissed him on the forehead and went back to his couch with him. Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) went over to him, kissed him and quietly told him things which I could not hear.

However, I could see some foam on Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) lips that was even whiter than snow.